Advances in Devices that Offer Lower Limb Compression

Abstract

The theme of this book is compression which is a mainstay of treatment for venous leg ulcers. In other parts of this book, there are descriptions of how elasticated garments are used, the evidence of success to heal wounds as well as the shortcomings of this technique that beg questions of how compression may be delivered using other methods. These include surgery to treat incompetence in the superficial veins, advances on traditional bandages and intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC). Initially IPC devices were recommended to treat lymphoedema, later these were used to treat venous conditions. The different uses, range of treatment times were systematically reviewed and reported to be of low level of confidence. Recent developments in devices have been reviewed in this chapter which especially complements Chap. 10 by Mark Richardson that deals with techniques of improving bandaging systems.